Billy’s Story

In loving memory of Billy Roles who was adopted as Shirley from the Dogue De Bordeaux Society rescue in Paris, Ontario in December of 2003 at 1 year of age. Billy was the most gentle, loving and happy dogue and was our best friend.

Billy was a tough cookie and overcame many obstacles, beginning with severe allergies at a young age. She was a cancer survivor in which the treatment comprised of surgery, chemotherapy and weeks of radiation, she survived bloat twice, a throat surgery, gland removals, cardiac abnormalities, Cushing’s, pancreatitis, and an unknown cause of muscle wasting. Billy was cared for by some of the best veterinarians and staff possible in Ontario mainly by Dr. Larry Hoscheit and his team at Val Caron Animal Hospital, the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, the Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Toronto, the Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Ottawa and various emergency and traditional and non-traditional clinics throughout Ontario. Despite all of these difficulties, Billy was always able to recover quickly and enjoy life to the fullest. Her resiliency was nothing short of amazing.

We would like to write a testimonial to the wonderful service we received from Trupanion over the past 6 years since enrolling. We were fortunate to have this insurance as truly caring for a pet can easily land a person in significant debt. Throughout all of the above illnesses, all of the over 140 claims were quickly processed resulting in over $45,000 of reimbursements without any hassles, arguments or complications. We are sharing this story to encourage others to enroll their pets under the care of Trupanion so that they will never have to make difficult decisions about the care of their loved ones. We have referred many family members and friends to this service. We have reviewed several other insurance companies and none came close to offering the coverage available with Trupanion. Many of the above listed veterinary clinics believe strongly in Trupanion after being a part of Billy’s story.

Billy passed away peacefully on October 5th 2012 at almost 10 years of age with both of her parents present. Billy was loved by everyone she met and we were so lucky to have so many years with her. She now joins her Dogue de Bordeaux “brother” Brutus who passed in 2006 and they are now running together again in heaven. Words cannot describe how much she is loved and missed by her parents, family and friends.

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Guest Contributor

Truly a wonderful story. Thanks you for sharing with us. Our pets, mostly rescue, are our special children. Don’t know what we would do without them and vice versa. We have lost a few over the many years so I do feel your pain and loneliness. God Bless.

Trupanion was the insurance we had for Tessa who had cysts, had to have her glands removed, immunity disorders, flesh eating disease, etc and they covered our bills without hesitation. I can’t say enough positive things about Trupanion!

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This blog is designed to be a community where pet owners can learn and share. The views expressed in each post are the opinion of the author and not necessarily endorsed by Trupanion. Always consult your veterinarian for professional advice.